The Desert Scene

Hosts Bonnie Gigallon and Brayan Mendoza talk with jazz vocalist Hope Diamond about her work as a singer, her inspirations, her newest album and Frankie's Backroom. David Perry comes on to the show to talk about Upon This Rock, a book that has been praised by the likes of Armistead Maupin as "The Gay Da Vinci Code". The news discussed in this segment include the recent recastings of various black cartoon characters with actual black voice artists, and Lulu Wang's issues with Ron Howard directing a biopic focused on Chinese people.

Bonnie and Brayan pay tribute to the life and legacy of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and contemplate the unfortunate political implications of her passing. Local singer Thom McMorris discusses his musical style, work habits, inspirations and his upcoming live stream at Frankie's Old World Italian Bakery and Supper. Annie Houchenauer, from the Transgender Health and Wellness Center, gives her insight on the JK Rowling transphobia controversy. She also brings up the wonderful opportunities and resources that the center has to provide. On the lighter side of the news, Punkie Johnson is the first out black lesbian to join the cast of SNL. However, on the goofier side of news, Carole Baskin dances for Dancing With The Stars. 

Bonnie and Brayan bring on Hayley Stubbert, local #SaveOurChildren activist, and mother of three to discuss the Cuties controversy. Is it a misguided masterpiece or is it pedophile bait? Drag Queen Anita Rose comes by to talk about her online events "The Bitchiest Bunch", "Truth or Shot", and one raising funds for C4 Communications. Bonnie and Brayan come up with ideas to have drive-in concerts, and how to make them work in a COVID world. On the news end, The Batman is back in production, but there's concern over safety. Mulan makes money digitally than the theatrically released Tenet, proving that people don't feel safe going back to the cinemas. The Emmys are going virtual. In a rare ray of hope, The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is still happening, but with modifications. 

Bonnie G. and Brayan take a look at the new set of diversity focused requirements set forth by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, specifically for Best Picture consideration. Deborah McGarrey talks about the annual charity event Paint El Paseo Pink. This year's event is a socially distanced walk that raises money for breast cancer awareness and takes on a virtual involvement like many other non-profit activities. Shann Carr, a local comedian who talks the various events hosted by the Gay Desert Guide, will also join us in this hour. Finally, Brayan and Bonnie talk about the gender reveal party that set portions of Southern California on fire, and Disney World is allegedly forcing COVID-19-positive employees to return to work.

Bonnie and Brayan talk with Shawn Ambramowitz, Executive Director at the Desert Ensemble Theatre Company. He shares plans about the upcoming season for the company, including their socially distanced video projects along with the $10,000 grant they recently received. A new sexual assault lawsuit against Kevin Spacey is making news and Bonnie and Brayan talk about that. And, justice may possibly be sin the cards for three transgender women who were victims of a vicious hate crime in Hollywood. Family therapist Michelle Ogle joins the show and helps with information on how to cope with political strife, emotional turmoil, and finding middle ground during a difficult time. Finally, the two B's discuss the meltdown at the Ellen Degeneres Show. 

Bonnie Gilgallon and Brayan Mendoza join forces in our updated revival of The Culture Corner. Throughout the episode, our duo attempt to bring an answer to the question of "What is culture?" in today's political climate. They evaluate the importance of appreciating art in the era of division, and misinformation. In particular art that responses to a need for diversity, and unheard voices. The coronavirus' impact on the arts is also given a spotlight with a special guest star. Robbie Wayne, Artistic Director of Desert Rose Playhouse calls in to discuss the relocation of the theater, and its postponed upcoming season. Another unique guest is Rev. Kendyl Gibbons. She's an Unitarian minister that has a church in Kansas City, Missouri. She explains what it means to be Unitarian, and how to keep community in the age of COVID. Fun fact: She's Bonnie G's sister! In the news segments, the two talk about Chadwick Boseman's contributions to film, and his untimely death.

Bonnie Gilgallon and Brayan Mendoza are joined by Tysen Knight, an American street artist and filmmaker. He discusses his mentorship of young people, his art, and the scholarship that he set up to help local art students. Our duo speculate on the circumstances surrounding Robert Pattinson's coronavirus diagnosis during production of The Batman. Are we re-opening film productions too fast? At the halfway point, Krystofer Do calls into the program. He's a local artist who discusses his music writing techniques, political activism, and the tribulations of being an artist trying to make a career during COVID. The final segment of the show revolves around AMC Theaters' risky 70 percent reopening for the movie Tenet. Are the good reviews, and accommodations enough to feel safe going back to the theater?  

On this edition of "the Culture Corner," Bonnie welcomes world-renowned jazz guitarist Doug MacDonald, who shares info about his recent solo online concert, his own jazz-themed radio show, and his return to the local musical hot spot, AJ's on the Green. Also local musician Eric Frankson talks about what's up next for his country band, Cinch.  Bonnie's third guest is Erica Stone, who created SOS (Soldier's Organized Services,) a much-needed organization that has provided free rides to soldiers from the PS Airport to the 29 Palms Marine Base for the past 13 years. She tells us about the unique ways her group is lending a hand during this pandemic.

Bonnie welcomes Kate Spates, Vice President of Palm Springs Film and Television, sharing a special project the group has been working on with "Book Pals," in which celebrities read beloved children's books on-line to keep kids entertained during this pandemic. Also, with some great advice on how we should be handling our finances during these tough times, we chatted with Robert Schein, Managing Director of Hightower, Blankie-Schein Wealth Management. Our final guest this week was multi-talented Actor/Singer/Dancer Fleet Easton several upcoming film roles and other exciting career news.

Bonnie welcomes family therapist Caroline Redmon sharing some advice on how couples and families who've been cooped up together for the past 2 months can prevent that much togetherness from becoming toxic. Then dancer, actor and teacher Doug Graham told us about how he stays physically and mentally healthy during this pandemic. Finally, jazz diva Rose Mallett talked about her twice weekly Facebook livestream serenades and how meditation and her spiritual outlook gives her solace during the lockdown.

This week, Bonnie Gilgallon is joined in The Culture Corner by Erica Stone from Soldiers Organized Services, Ann Sheffel of the Palm Springs Cultural Center, and Maggie Downs, author and former writer at The Desert Sun.

How do we stay entertained and keep from going stir-crazy during this pandemic? Bonnie Gilgallon's talks with local musicians like Krystofer Do, who are keeping skills sharp and bringing the joy of live music to folks stuck at home through live facebook streams. He talks about his musical influences, and his new single "Soul," which has just been released. Then, successful designer Lee Jacob Friend tells us how he and his team have stepped up during these troubling times, and turned their skills with fabric into a huge production of much-needed masks for those on the front lines fighting the Coronavirus. His "Masks of Hope" project has provided 15,000 face coverings both locally and nationwide. Also, Desert Rose Playhouse Artistic Director Robbie Wayne chats with us about the unique way he is bringing live theatre to those quarantined, along with interviews with cast members and directors of this past season's hit shows. Finally, Bonnie and Brayan Mendoza wrap up the broadcast with some thoughts on other theatrical events available online or on traditional tv channels. 

This week Bonnie G talks with producer and event promoter Bette King. They chat about her own battle with the Coronavirus, as well as what she sees as the future for live musical performances here in the valley. Then, Desert Ensemble Theatre Artistic Director Jerome Elliott visits and talks about what he has planned for the theatre next season, and Michael Myers on how mediation and hypnotherapy can help people during stressful times.

Our very special guest was Bruce Fessier, who recently retired after 40 years as special projects writer at The Desert Sun.  Bruce tells us about the new book he's writing about the Coachella Valley, and shared his thoughts on the future of the local theatre scene after we get through the Coronavirus crisis.

Joining Bonnie G this week in The Culture Corner,  pianist/fiddler Eric Frankson discusses how the valley shutdown due to the Coronavirus has affected local musicians. Also on the show, CV Independent reviewer VJ Hume shared the impact COVID-19 has had on local theatres, and Carolyn Gross, whose latest book is Rising Above a Crisis offered advice on how stay balanced emotionally through it all.

Bonnie Gilgallon is joined by guests including jazz and R&B singer Hope Dean promoting her big upcoming show at Frankie's Back Room in Cathedral City, as well as performer and PR wiz Jeff Hocker, chatting about jazz and blues pianist (and documentary filmmaker) Daryl Davis, who will be featured at a big fundraising event for Jewish Family Services of the Desert later this month.